Paul's Corner

HELLO PC FRIENDS,

MELODY-Yes, I am feeling more upbeat-thank you for the compliment.

PAUL-I love it when you use small meaningful curse words! Nothing wrong with being busy and having stuff to do. I really hated moving which is why I've only done it once. Somehow-the house got smaller with each child we added. It's okay though because I love the closeness and I can keep up on what they're doing.

I have such a lovely weekend-did the garden thing, cleaned the sun room windows, spent lots of time outside, I drank a pitcher of margaritas with my lovely husband and had some really quality time with my girls.

The sad part of weekend was I found myself really missing my mom. It's days like that past weekend that she would come over and just watch the girls.

HUGS!
abeth

If I may quote a scholarly proverb: “If one wishes to change his mazal [luck] he should change his name, his livelihood, or his home”.

I hope you don’t change your name because we all won’t recognize the dynamic Paul Mercurio. Changing jobs has helped me once but that was when I needed to relocate to a better work environment.

Moving, despite it’s annoying times, can be a positive change to people and their families in the long run. Here’s to hoping for good fortune and better times ahead.

Paul, I understand the stress of moving. Perhaps I have a bit of gypsy in me. Since 1990 I have moved 10 times, 8 of those were between 1990 and 1999. The last two moves were within the past two years. I am now in my own house - the very first I've bought and there is no way I'm moving again anytime soon! LOL

The only thing constant in our lives is change. Sometimes the change may not seem for the best, but often times we do not see the positive until further down the road. I'm sure your decision to leave your agent and go to a manager was difficult and in time you will see how that plays out. I can imagine the stress involved - anyone with any ties to the entertainment industry can and would. Hang in there, Paul, it will work out for the best. :o)

I've been dealing with a lot of stress these past months as well, and I made a change at my job. So far its working very well for me. I hope it continues this way because it may be the answer to the migraines I was suffering. :o)

Best to all - its the beginning of a new week, and a new month! :o)

The one good thing about moving is that you get to get rid of clutter (for me usually both physically and emotionally).

Stressful, hell yeah! and I've moved way too many times in the last 16 years, including one continent-ocean hopping move (that actually sounds better than it was in reality!)

Change is scary as hell at times and oh so very good! My last move, nearly a year ago was tough, emotionally, financially, physically, leaving everything behind once again, starting over, leaving all my friends behind, desperately finding a way to be open to new people and new everything. I was so overwhelmed and lonely last summer and super stressed, but it was a really good move, in multiple meanings of the word. Job is so much better, I love being in a big(ger) city with culture and I've adjusted and made friends, invested time and energy into my colleagues to earn their respect which wasn't/isn't always easy. This job has come with many challenges and lots of growing opportunities and it's funny, I'm not sure when that feeling of being overwhelmed and feeling super stressed changed into a sense of belonging and feeling at peace.

You will get there Paul and just trust your instincts and have faith in yourself ... and be prepared for new stress-causing situations facing you :-)
A big hug!

Hello All,

Paul, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the stresses of change. I loved it when you said there were no road signs to let you know where you're going, sort of sums it all up, doesn't it? Good luck with your new house and your new manager. Change is good, they say, so look at these past few months as payment for something good to come along and make it all worthwhile.

Hello to Abeth, so sorry about your mum. You will always miss her, but she lives on in your heart.

Hello to Grandma Mil, my lovely Mary across the pond, Evelyn, Mary S. and where is Peter? Long time, my darling.

A warm welcome to all the newbies. I don't post much, but I do read and enjoy everyone's posts.

Be well.
Sally C.

Sorry to hear about all the stressful things in your life. I hope the new manager works out for you -- the best part of it is that you are taking charge, and I see that as very positive. Way to go!
I can really empathise, having moved for the 3rd time in less than 2 years last December. I hated the thought of moving, but I love where I moved to so knew that the pain would be worth it in the end. And now I've got a big change in work coming up in a couple months, something I don't want but have to accept. I'll manage. But gee change is better when it's your own idea! Even if it doesn't work out so well!

I can actually think of one thing more stressful than moving into a new house--facing your mother. :p

Here's a "Strictly Ballroom" music video I found online. It's one of the best fan works I've seen out there. Enjoy ^_^
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P1SP5drjOE

Esther, what a coincidence! I too saw that YouTube "Strictly Ballroom" video called "Different" and wrote to the person that sent it for I too thought it was better than most!

It turns out she i a lovely young student from Australia, and she lives in Melbourne!

I gave her directions on how to find Paul's Corner, and I know she will be thrilled to learn that we too appreciate her work! Naturally, she loves Strictly Ballroom!

I made a 3 minute video presentation of Paul and Tara together, but my musical selection is: "Why Do People Fall in Love" by Linda Eder. I don't
have the smarts to put it on YouTube, but I show it often to my audiences during my "Sights and Sounds of Music" monthly video concert, which is tonight, May 1st and Thursday May 3rd.

Paul, best of luck in your new home! One day at a time is the ticket, and as long as you have your health, and a loving family at your side, you are a winner already!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Hi Grandma Mil! I love Linda Eder! I've had the pleasure of seeing her live many times, not just in concert but when she was in Jekyll & Hyde in NYC. She is such an amazing person (not just a performer, but in life as well).

I've recently become a YouTube addict. I think I need a 12-step program... especially as I'm on dial-up. Help.

And now I'll close with a little inspiration I've swiped from my friend Elaine. She signs everything with this saying in Hebrew: Yehiyeh tov. In English: It will be good! Have a great day, everyone! :o)

Roadsigns would be a very helpfull thing indeed. I guess there's a reason why they don't exist. I wish I knew what the reason was. Well, if crazy problems didn't exist in our lives there would be no neighborhood pub to find solace in. I guess that's one positive thing out of it.

I may be making a change myself sometime soon. I interviewed for a massage therapy position at a new medical spa that is opening up in a month. Even though the place is going to be phenomenal and I would be making excellent money I have issues with trusting small business. Working for a large company I have had no problems worrying about job security but I need to increase my income and this medical spa would give me the opportunity to do that but if the owner decides to fire a staff member to hire someone else on whim she can do that but in the corporate massage world you can't. I hate risks but in order to gain success its necessary thing.

And moving does stink. My husband and I moved every year for a five year period I swear for me to move house again it would have to be a desperate situation or horses would have to drag me away.

I tried that Salmon recipe over the week-end and my husband and I enjoyed it very much. I encourage everyone on the corner to try one of Paul's recipes.

Peace to all,

Julie

Change? Well, when we’re young, change is good, it is all about the choices. We “effect” change.

At some point though, change becomes something that happens TO us, whether we want it to or not. Even the changes we still “effect” (like moving or changing jobs or management) become harder because the stakes are higher, there are fewer “plan B’s” to fall back on.

The upside – we’re wiser and more confident (hopefully) and more likely to make “good” changes.

The changes that just “happen” to you (we’re not getting any younger, are we?) – well they just SUCK!!!

Paul and PC friends--I can be one sentimental fool, and when it comes to making changes, whether a new home, new manager, it's down to what is in your heart--when it's in alignment with your mind, you know you've made a good choice.

Of course, going in the new direction isn't without difficulty. New territory has to be mapped out and you may find potholes you'll fall into. Same with a new house. You later find a few cracks in the plaster, creaky floors. It all makes you long for what you left until you remind yourself why you moved on.

I know myself, very hard to say good-bye to a house that was your family home--it's as much a part of the family as all of you.

I also wish you the best with your new manager. May he recognize your full potential and more so, not fence you in so you realize it for yourself.

Melody

Paul, you're just so damn normal. I love it! LOL

I agree whole heartedly with the road signs. But I don't think that's the plan. I fully believe we are here for the road BUMPS.

We had some very horrible news in our family this last week. My younger sister was diagnosed with a rare melanoma. She underwent extensive surgery yesterday. He life will be changing drastically and the long term prognosis is not that great. But she is our hero and is just an amazing person. She has two children at home and although they are teens, she is not ready to leave this world yet. She plans on being around for a while and we're all learning to follow her lead and take each moment as it comes. It's going to show us alot about life. We'll at least have a few years and maybe they'll think of some better ways to deal with or cure cancer in that time we have her. It will be years, not months, but we're all devistated.

Not to bring anyone down, just to keep in perspective the little things that we take for granted and the things that we think are so disruptive, and that really aren't.

I've kept this news from this site because I don't really KNOW you all. But I have to say that I have felt so much support and friendship from all of you. Paul and Cat, it's all because of you!!!

Love you all!

Mary S, I love the attitude you have! Many good thoughts are being sent to you, your sister, and your family from me. I wish you all the best for the time you have together, and that medical science can find a better treatment or cure for cancer in the years to come.

I have been blessed to find several places online where there is a sense of community and/or family, places where I can be open and feel support and friendship. This is one of them. Paul, thank you for allowing your fans to share this corner with you and Cat, thank you for maintaining it. :o)

Hi everyone--when I posted earlier I was just referencing Paul's comments--it was right before leaving to teach class and I didn't have a chance to read everyone else's posts.

Mary S--very sorry to hear about your sister. I lost my sister five years ago (it was three after my mother's passing), and it was very unexpected. Hard to come to terms with something that happens so suddenly, so I feel for you and your family. All the best and much love be shared between all of you.

Julie, I've had my eye on that salmon recipe as I love salmon--I've looked over Paul's recipes and while I can't try the shellfish ones (allergy), there are some others I hope to try soon. I also like leg of lamb and Paul has a tasty one for that as well.

Grandma Mil--all the best to you during your video weekend--sounds like fun! (There are some really nice mini-videos of SB on YouTube, some are so creative. Didn't you post the location for one for us? I think that's how I came to see it.)

Abeth--hug!

Sarah, you are right. It is really nice to have a place to come to and share. Thank you Paul for extending in this way to us--bravo to Cat's excellent site set-up!

Melody

Dear Melody,

My video week went well, and I do another program this evening.

The audience Tuesday night was sitting so quietly even in the dark, I could tell they were hooked!..no one even left for the restroom!

It had all sorts of scenes, from old Hollywood, a
documentary on New York City, opera, ballet, etc.,
but at the end I always include clips of Tara and Paul in SB. I have shown the complete "Strictly Ballroom" at least twice a year since 2001, and lately I have been getting requests to do it again, although the last showing was in February.

It was Esther in her May 2nd post that had the link to YouTube. That tribute to SB was the best,("Different") and I wrote to the person that put it all together.

It turns out that she is a 19 year old student, so sweet, and she lives in Australia! She has now
become my newest email pal!

Sarah, we saw Linda Eder in concert here in Florida about 4 years ago. The tickets were given to us on the occasion of our anniversary by our daughters, and they were very expensive.

Linda must have had a bad day. Her hair was unkempt, she kept turning her back to the audience, and all in all it was a disappointing appearance. (I prefer to watch her in my video concerts when she belts out the "Man of La Mancha" theme!)

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Dear Melody,

My video week went well, and I do another program this evening.

The audience Tuesday night was sitting so quietly even in the dark, I could tell they were hooked!..no one even left for the restroom!

It had all sorts of scenes, from old Hollywood, a
documentary on New York City, opera, ballet, etc.,
but at the end I always include clips of Tara and Paul in SB. I have shown the complete "Strictly Ballroom" at least twice a year since 2001, and lately I have been getting requests to do it again, although the last showing was in February.

It was Esther in her May 2nd post that had the link to YouTube. That tribute to SB was the best,("Different") and I wrote to the person that put it all together.

It turns out that she is a 19 year old student, so sweet, and she lives in Australia! She has now
become my newest email pal!

Sarah, we saw Linda Eder in concert here in Florida about 4 years ago. The tickets were given to us on the occasion of our anniversary by our daughters, and they were very expensive.

Linda must have had a bad day. Her hair was unkempt, she kept turning her back to the audience, and all in all it was a disappointing appearance. (I prefer to watch her in my video concerts when she belts out the "Man of La Mancha" theme!)

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

All this talk of changing homes, new strange places, and personal challenges inspired me to write a poem based on Paul's performance in part one of "Joseph". Hope I may share with others before I regret posting this up. It speaks to me about being estranged from your family.

"Only One"

Swollen feet and gnarled hands
Drag the boy off to dusty lands
While he treads upon broken clay bits

Rattling teeth taste like snake spit
In this new home of jesting sneers
They test his will
Biting away at him
'Til nothing remains (but the breaking point)

Sizzling sands bury the truth
Scorching the naked eye
Lest you forget this wretched place
Him?
An ancestor's plea lingers in the chocked air
They all watch his lips and wonder
"He only opens his mouth to pray..."

He digs trenches and hauls stones
Works his weary hands raw
Just to stay alive
The night is too long
For a slave
"Why have You forsaken me?"

He is sent out to draw water and sweat
While worshippers bathe in silvery pools
Praising the Nile and her moon goddess
They curse this foolish stranger
With deep brown eyes
And a love for his people's ancient ways
"I'd be careful if I were you."

Only the wind can lift up his words
Carry them over sand-baked dunes
Back to soft gray clouds
Pebbled grounds
Tents that dwell in a mountain's shade
Through raindrops, teardrops
And soft breathing steps
"I will lead you home."

Thank you, Esther.

***I think to say more would take away from the depth of what I mean***

Thank you Melody and Sarah and everyone here for your support. My sister's surgery went well. She's on the mend now and will be going home on Monday. she had allot of pain for a couple of days. Heavy drugs. But now she's getting strong enough to go home and get back to living asap.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone.

Esther, thank you for posting your poem.

Grandma Mil, even celebs have bad days. Its a shame you had to witness it when your daughters had paid so much for the tickets.

I hope everyone is well in PC-land. :o)

Paul,
Pardon my ignorance but what's the difference between an agent and a manager? I hope your new path leads you to bigger and better achievements.

The last time I moved was in 1979. Before that we would build a backyard fence and would end up moving. I told my husband that if we had to move again, they would have to pack me up too. It seems it takes 6 or 7 months to get your new digs organized.

Remember: Yesturday is history, tomorrow is a mistery, and today is a present.

Take care and love to all Marge

I don't intend to move again until I can no longer climb stairs. That what I tell the occasional Real Estate Agent that calls.

Marge, 6 or 7 months to organize, eh? Hmm... I must be slower than the average human. Or just lazier. That's probably more the truth of it. LOL Of course the last time I moved I had to buy most of furniture as well since when I relocated from NYC to VA I left 99% of my furniture behind as I knew I was moving into my first house and wanted a fresh start. The only furnishings that came with me were an antique bookshelf that belonged to my grandma, a dresser my dad made me when I was an infant, and a utility cart I had packed VHS tapes in. (That utility cart has outlived its usefulness and will be headed to the dump in the near future.) June will mark my 1 year anniversary in my house and I'm still trying to get things the way I want them... sometimes I wonder if I ever will! :o)

Its a beautiful day here in VA. So far I've spent it doing laundry and other odd bits of cleaning. I'd like to get out and enjoy the day a bit!

Best to all!

Hi Paul and PC friends--hope the weekend was good. Have a week off from class as we have a guest artist in for a workshop.

After catching up with everyone's posts--

MaryS--Happy to hear your sister's surgery went well. Her recuperation should be easier with all of you looking in on her.

Granda Mil--VERY maddening when a performer turns their back consistently to the audience--was there a music problem--maybe stage monitors?

Esther--After reading your poem, I hope to find a copy of Joseph. Can't find one at my nearby Blockbusters, probably will have to go to the library. I haven't seen it since it was originally televised. Your poem expresses such strength.

Sarah--I've lived 14 years in my condo and it's still an ever-changing event. Prior to that, I spent many years in many apartments, good and bad; however, one thing you truly need in Chicago is an apartment with good heat and no drafts during the winter!! (My condo, thankfully, has good heat-amen, amen, amen!!)

Melody

Hey Paul, Congrats on getting another logie for DWTS. I'm so happy that DWTS got another logie. I voted for you. I was a pitty that you judges didn't got up on stage to accept the adward with Sonia and Daryl. I think you should have. Hey guys how's the chocolate going? I'm having a great time getting easter eggs but unfortunatley I finished my Boston mud cake (birthday cake) last night. It's a bit sad but I'm looking forward to my next birthday so I can start again. Hey Paul, did you get to buy yorself some of that cheesecake youv'e been eyeing off? I hope you did. I'd love to know how yummy it was.

Congrats, Paul, on DWTS receiving a Logie. Anything more happening with Food Trail these days?

I've lost interest in our US DWTS. The two couples I had hopes for are now gone, so I'm not as intent on watching it the past two weeks.

I've been laying off the chocolate, maybe not totally, but not eating as much as I usually do. I did have some almond bark on Monday. We have a candy store here in Chicago (Fannie May) that has fantastic chocolate almond bark and they use Chicago's Blommer chocolate as their base--awesome. Anyway, after not really eating any for over a week, a piece I had literally sent me off to a true chocolate high!

As for birthdays, I share mine with Elizabeth II of England. She was here in the States and G W Bush slipped about our bicentennial in 17--no that's 1976--Elizabeth handled it beautifully. Makes me wonder how he compares to the other 9 presidents she's met all these years.

Cheers!

Melody

With all this talk of fine confections, I wanted to share the Oreo cheesecake recipe I found online and baked for my colleagues. To avoid heart injuries I substituted two packages of fat-free cream cheese and used light cream instead of heavy cream. Trust me. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Cookie-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx

Then one of my office friends approached me and asked if I could make her a tiramisu cheesecake for her upcoming party in two weeks. I’m flattered that she asked me since baking is a favorite pastime/hobby of mine.

I caught a harsh cold that leaves my nose stuffed up and my voice deep and raspy. Someone said her family’s remedy consisted of lemonade, beer, cloves, and a few other ingredients mixed together in a thermos. Seeing as I have a low tolerance for alcohol and have already had lots of tea, any other suggestions?

Esther, a friend who resides in Colorado swears by ginger tea with lemon and no refined sugar. If you have to sweeten it, use honey (preferably one that has not been pasturized and/or is from a local farm). You can by pre-packaged ginger tea, or you can steep fresh ginger in boiling water for 5-10 minutes and add lemon to taste. :o) Unfortunately, for a "common" cold you usually just have to wait it out, but remedies can help you feel a little less miserable.

I had a bit of a migraine today but I forced myself to work all day. It was rough, and I hope I don't end up regretting it tomorrow. I am determined not to miss any time from work this month though - and that would make it the first month in a very long time I've not miss a day for a migraine. :o)

Esther, you might want to try gargling with salt water and inhaling steam. Sounds really old fashioned, but I found it helps and the mucous dissipates faster.

Sarah--hope your migraine's better soon.

Back to chocolate and the Blommer Company. They were roasting their chocolate beans this morning and when the air catches it just right, it smells like brownies baking through our northern Loop (downtown) area. Hard to believe that someone who recently moved in their vecinity complained about the chocolate aroma and chocolate dust coming from the factory. Can smelling chocolate really be that much of a problem??? :)

Melody

Melody, lets hope that person never relocates to Hershey, PA. ;o)

For those who have never been to delightful Hershey, it is the home of Hershey Chocolates. The entire town smells (reaks?) of chocolate. I just wanted to stop the car and start knawing on something. LOL It doesn't help that the street lamps are shaped like huge Hershey's Kisses. You just want to shimmy up the pole and see if they are solid chocolate... Not the place for anyone with chocolate tendencies to stay for any period of time. But I survived - and haven't ventured back since. :o)

Sarah--wow, that would be really something! Hershey Kisses streetlamps!

This local resident (must have been new to the area or Chicago) actually complained that Blommer was polluting their neighborhood with chocolate dust. The EPA went there to check out the complaint and Blommer had to add some sort of filter to their exhaust to cut down on the chocolate dust and aroma. I'm glad we can still smell them roasting away when the west wind blows in.

My mother (many years ago) used to work in a candy factory where she would wrap O'Henry chocolate bars. She never could eat chocolate after that.

Good weekend all!

Melody

Paul, congratulations on the new home. I'm sure it's great and you and the fam will have many happy, memorable times there. Plus although I wish you could post more I understand why you some times don't or can't. Life takes us away from things that are simple and enjoyable but we are unable to engage because we are some times dealing with things that are not so simple or enjoyable. (that's the way it's been for me lately. I have just been so bored. I've gave up the the drink and spend all my time with my son when I'm not working and this summer I have to look for a new job)

Abeth I hope you are doing ok this weekend, I'm sure it's a rough one for you but I want to let you know I'm thinking of you ((hugs))

Change is apart of life and we have to go with it with the realization we have to change things about ourselves to reach our goals. Change things that are within our power. If there is one thing I want to change when I start my new job it's take care of my reputation. I don't know what it is about me but since I was in early teens I have always had a not so nice reputation. I don't know what it is but I some times bring out the worse in group of coworkers. The last job I had a few were always complaining about me, my being late a lot (It's a terrible habit!) and such. And I could never understand it because here I am a single mother who was usually pretty friendly if not some times quiet (struggling with my life some times). And there are these busy bodies making obstacles in my life, and for what reason? To be spiteful, to be mean? I"ll never understand it, because I'm just not like that at all, ... I'm on a tirade I better go. Trying to share and look at all that clutter coming out of my head.

Love to all! :)
Tea

also just to add, I'm able to post tonight because my son went to bed early (after staying up after I went to bed last night at 1, after we watched "Happy Feet". I have finally had a quiet evening on my own. This little piece of freedom, well you just don't know how I relish it. I don't get these evenings very often and I'm in the mood to reach out and correspond and so here I am :)

Hi Tea--when I was younger and working (dancing can't do it all, sad to say), some co-workers maintained that adolescent attitude that you mention above. Being my "feet" are in another world other than commerce, it can be frustrating. Co-workers and dancers can be the same--just down to being human.

Stand true to yourself and your son, do the best work ever, assist others when needed (when you can based on how your day is going). You may never win them over, but you leave knowing what you put forth despite them. And, if you hear about anything better coming up, whether at your current job or outside your current employer, give it a shot.

A happy Mother's Day to you, Tea, and to all PC moms (Mother's Day tomorrow in the US), and a hug to you, too, Abeth.

Melody

HELLO PC FRIENDS,

MELODY AND TEA-Thank you for the thoughts. They are much appreciated.

TEA-I took my oldest two to see Happy Feet on the opening day.

TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS-Hope everyone is doing well. And, that Mother's Day was as good to you as it was for me.

I don't know if I mentioned this but I bought a bike and no, it's the kind that Paul rides-it's called a Cruiser but I look at it more like an old fashioned bike with no gears. I have a carrier on the back for Bethany. I ride with her and/or with all of my girls. It's been therapeutic as well as a great way to hang with the girls and lose some weight. I took a spill on it yesterday. Good thing that Bethany was home taking her nap!!

My new summer drink-Bloody Mary. I call them Merry Mary. For a number of summers it was Mike's Hard Lemonade or Lime and margaritas (Jose Cuervo). I don't like the name Blood Mary-I only like what's in them.

My life is coming back together even more so. I just seem to keep as busy as possible.

Thanks to all my PC friends. Y'all been a wonderful "invisible" support system.

HUGS!
abeth

Hi Paul,
I have discovered you not long ago. In fact it was this year in February. I was watching Strictly Ballroom which I have never got around to watch when it came out, and then I forgot all about it. Well 11 years later, I come across this film when stuck in hospital. It was available on a video on demand type of service for patients. I was fascinated by everything about that film, the aura of the film, the dancing and story, and you as a person.

Now here I come to what I really wanted to say on this occasion. It really promoted me when I read your story and other posted information from you. I myself discovered that there is a way of finding out what our life road signs are and what we planned for this lifetime. Everybody's life lessons (karma), goals and talents (both spiritual and physical)and soul destiny are imprinted in the sound of their birth name. Your name is a combination of sounds that contain all information about you and your life. It sends out to the Universe the message of who you are and what you are here to do. It is creating your life all the time daily and hourly, 24/7, whether you are conscious of it or not. This method of reading is called Soul Contract Reading and is based on Hebrew alphabet, which is one of the five ancient languages.

This is a channeled method of reading and hasn't got much to do with numerology except for adding numbers numerologically. It is such an amazing powerful system of direct interpretation of life aspects derived directly from soul contract encoded in a birth name, that I decided to learn it myself.

I am saying all this to you because I really feel people should know about it so they can help themselves and put their life experiences into perspective. things start making sense, once you know what your soul wanted you to experience. And then you can move on in your life with more ease and grace, negotiating your life challenges more positively. You may find someone offering such service in your country. I was very tempted to do a reading of your name, but I am too well aware that it is not appropriate to do so and one can only do a reading like this at the request of the person concerned or if one has a direct relationship with the person (be it friendship, partnership, work etc. Neither applicable in this case.:)

So all I can add is that with such an amazing tool to assist us on our journey we can now be consciously aware of where we are heading and utilise this knowledge to create life our hearts long for.

I do not know what you think about spirituaity in life, but what I have read on this website gave me a courage to write to you hoping you will not get upset that some stranger contacts you on such a personal level.

And if you like I could do such a reading for you, which will give me another opportunity to practice my skills. (by the way no need to post it on your website:)).

All the best to you whatever you decide to do. By the way just in case you wonder who on earth I am, my name is Beata Hardes and I live in England with my husband Simon and a 3-year old son Christopher.

Beata

Abeth, bloody mary? Eek! I can't get past the tomato juice. ;o) My uncle is the king of margaritas. A couple years ago he got this special blend/mix in the FL Keys (a type of moonshine actually)... whoa. I don't usually drink margaritas but that made a really nice drink. LOL

I know I'm a day late, but I hope all the mothers had a nice Mother's Day.

For those who've been around "the corner" for some time you may remember my auto accident back in January, well the other company finally settled. I was informed this morning that I'll be getting my deductible back. That was a very nice way to start my Monday! :o)

I hope everyone has had a pleasant start to their week!

Sarah--that is great! More importantly, you came out of this far better than your poor car.

Beata--welcome to PC. Strictly Ballroom is a great movie, and I always thought the motto/proverb "a life lived in fear is a life half lived" is very true indeed. I had one dance master that would say to us "baile sin miedo" (dance without fear) when we had to dance what we just reviewed. She would tell us even if you make mistakes, you know where you are and where you need to work hardest.

For those of you in the States, DWTS will have a well known Flamenco artist performing tonight-- Joaquin Cortez. He performed in Chicago some years back when he hit it big internationally. Very charismatic dancer, strong presence. Curious what he'll do tonight . . .

Melody

Sarah, good news re your car settlement - took a while but a good result for you!

Melody, I saw Joaquin when he toured Australia and whilst he was not too bad he was a little too full of himself to be very good. I hope he has gotten over how brilliant he thinks he is and given himself over to the brilliance of Flamenco.

Beata, welcome to the site and what an interesting idea you have brought with you. I would certainly be interested in a reading if you would like to do one. I have had my birth charts done, numbers done and psychic readings done etc so this would be an interesting experience also. When I read your post I thought about when I named my daughters. When I say their names to me they sound open, clear and positive. My wife wanted to call our middle daughter Marnie which I really didnt like - not that I disliked the name Marnie that much but I really disliked the whole name - Marnie Mercurio that feels wrong to me?! Strange isnt it.

You have piqued my curiousity and look forward to the reading.

Abeth I love a good bloody Mary but not when I am riding my bike!

Hi Everyone,

Nice to see and hear such active chat! Welcome Beata. A reading sounds really cool.

All is going well here. Colorado is experiencing a fabulous spring.

I love a good Bloddy Mary. I'm all over the place. Too much to respond to! lol

Love all you guys!